Return To Your Duty Posts Or Face Dismissal – Police Service Commission Warns Officers

Amid palpable demoralisation of security operatives in performing their functions due to the violence that erupted following the ENDSARS protests, the Police Service Commission has ordered all its personnel to return to their duty posts or risk being dismissed from the force.

In an interview with The Punch, Ikechukwu Ani, spokesperson of the commission, encouraged officers with low morale to put the killing of their colleagues behind them, adding that the Public Service Rules which also applies to members of the Nigeria Police Force, prescribes dismissal for any officer that deserts his job. 

Ani averred that the attack on policemen by hoodlums should not be an excuse for them to stay away from work.

He, however, stressed that policemen did not deserve to be killed and should in fact be protected as they are also humans.

“When you make Nigeria lawless and ungovernable, there would be a situation nobody would be able to control,” he said.

“The Nigeria Police Force is part of the public service and the public service is guided by the Public Service Rules. If you don’t come to work without permission, the punishment is dismissal if it is proven.

“The police as public servants are guided by the rules; so, they cannot on their own say they won’t go to work. Although, the Police Service Commission is also working to make sure they are protected because they are human beings; their lives also matter.”

The PSC spokesperson further cautioned citizens against further attacks on law enforcement agents as it might degenerate to anarchy.

“It would be an ill-wind that blows nobody any good but it is not a reason for anybody to say he won’t go to work. If you don’t go to work, the Public Service Rules will take its course,” he said.